Listen to 3 hours of great music released in 2024 on the December 29 episode!

Album of the Year: Leaf Rapids – Velvet Paintings
It will come as absolutely no surprise to anyone that my favourite album of 2024 is the magnificent Velvet Paintings by Leaf Rapids! Sure, I may be biased. I call them the house band. Keri Latimer’s voice is the one you’ve heard the most on this show other than mine. They appear on the show regularly and I wouldn’t hesitate to call them real-life friends of mine (they might see things differently. The line between friend and stalker is a blurry one.) The thing is, they make such great music that it transcends all of that and provides indisputable evidence for why it’s deservedly atop the list. Keri’s songs keep getting better with more imaginative, powerful imagery and unforgettable lyrics. Devin holds down the low end with some driving bass lines. But the real magic this time around comes from now full-fledged members of the band, Chris Dunn and Joanna Miller. Longtime VIPs on the local scene, Keri & Devin wisely pulled them into the fold and made them permanent members. In the end, it makes for a beautiful collaboration with a sound and feel all their own. No longer Winnipeg’s best-kept-secret, Jo provides a real album highlight with her first ever recorded and released lead vocal/songwriting performance, and it’s a hit!

https://leafrapidsmusic.bandcamp.com/album/velvet-paintings

Skinny Dyck – Easygoing
Skinny Dyck is the playful alter ego of Lethbridge singer/songwriter/multi instrumentalist Ryan Dyck. For years, he’s kind of been a bit of a secret musicians’ musician, playing alongside and collaborating with some of Canada’s best. He first burst onto my radar with his 2017 release, Twenty One-Nighters, which paired him alongside Leeroy Stagger & Mariel Buckley, Dave McCann, Sean Burns, John Wort Hannam, Carolyn Mark, and a pile of other talented folks. Since then, he’s really come into his own with some strong releases, culminating in this new one, Easygoing. More than just an apt album title, it’s kind of a mission statement, it seems, as Dyck and friends, which include local notables Austin Parachoniak and Micah Ehrenberg. He’s kind of been known as a country player, largely by people who don’t understand that pedal steel can be found elsewhere, but this one really pushes the sonic envelope in ways that are kind of hard to describe. There’s some country style lyrical simplicity but production and melodies more akin to modern indie rock, but it’s all put together in that Easygoing style that’s so accessible and enjoyable, no matter what you call it. Here’s an artist clearly on the rise. Get in on the ride:

https://skinnydyck.bandcamp.com/album/easygoing

Mike June – Modern American Folk Music
Mike June’s previous album, Poor Man’s Bible (2016) was full of bold and brave lyrics and strong melodies that should have broken him through on a much wider scale and opened him up to a much wider audience. Instead, some shady music industry dealings slammed his career into a wall and caused him to retreat and consider giving up a life in music altogether. If that industry nightmare hadn’t happened, he surely never would have felt free enough to do something as seemingly bizarre as pairing some pretty bleak lyrics about existential despair alongside a driving danceable beat. I wouldn’t wish that kind of industry nightmare on anyone, but in the end, Mike ended up crafting such a truly unique artistic statement. Additionally, he did almost everything himself, save for some incredible added vocals by his wife Jess Klein, who really elevates things whenever she comes in. If you listen to the words, you might be tempted to focus on the darkness and fear so prevalent in society today, but the upbeat, memorable melodies will surely have you tapping your toes or dancing around your living room. It’s a conflict that provides some challenge and some truth and some beauty, but isn’t that what true art is all about? If you’re looking for something new and interesting, it doesn’t get much better.

https://mikejune.bandcamp.com/album/modern-american-folk-music

Jadea Kelly – Weather Girl
Jadea Kelly has home bases in rural Ontario and in Los Angeles, California, and this album mixes the best of both worlds. A lot of it prominently features and is produced by longtime collaborator (and personal favourite) Jim Bryson. Jim has a knack for finding great songs & great voices and bringing out the best in them, and this is a fine example. Jadea has been building an impressive resume for years and this latest album will surely push the profile further with her strongest writing and singing to date. There are a lot of thoughtful lyrics and memorable melodies to be found on this album.

https://jadea-kelly.bandcamp.com/album/weather-girl

Richard Laviolette – All Wild Things Are Shy
Richard Laviolette was a prolific and respected songwriter and performer from Ontario, building an impressive career over nearly 20 years. He always had a knack for going into dark places and pulling out something beautiful, and that was never more evident than on this, his final album and truest masterpiece. The album was crafted over the course of the last 5 years of his life, between the death of his mother from Huntington’s Disease and that same disease robbing him of his mobility before his own medically assisted death in 2023. It’s hard to separate the music from that powerful, sad story, but I don’t know that it’s necessary. It’s an album that looks at life and mortality, with some “sweet little moments” along the way. Knowing the struggles that Richard went through to record these songs and the amazing efforts that his friends and collaborators went through to bring this album to life only makes it that much more impressive. It’s a rough & ragged album brimming with emotion and truth and infused with rootsy rock ‘n’ roll. It’s tragic that Richard never got to see how beautifully it all came together or the reaction that the album is getting, but what a high to go out on. This one will affect you and stay with you for a long time.

https://richardlaviolette.bandcamp.com/album/all-wild-things-are-shy

MJ Lenderman – Manning Fireworks
A close collaborator with Waxahatchee, who also made a great record this year, MJ really came into his own with an incredible record that hits all the marks for me. Great writing, powerful performances, memorable melodies, and even the great video below. If that song doesn’t rock your world, you might be in trouble. This one’s on a whole lot of “Best of” lists for good reason. Solid all the way through. I can’t wait to see where this wildly prolific young artist goes next.

https://mjlenderman.bandcamp.com/album/manning-fireworks

Major Love – Live Laugh Major Love
The collaborative project featuring singer/songwriter Colleen Brown and indie-rock band Scenic Route to Alaska returned with another album brimming with hopeful, positive songs shedding light on a difficult world. They’re songs of empowerment and peace at a time when they’re needed most. Best of all, they’re far from preachy downers, they’re a ton of fun that’ll have you dancing and grooving and feeling ready to Live and Laugh with Major Love.
https://majorlovemusic.com/

Ryland Moranz – Better/Worse
I first got to know Ryland nearly a decade ago as a bright eyed band member and collaborator with my longtime pal Leeroy Stagger. It was clear then that Ry was dedicated to a life in music and had all of the drive and potential to really make some meaningful art. He’s grown and improved by leaps and bounds since then and it’s been fun to watch. That youthful positivity and wide eyed enthusiasm remains, even as Ryland releases his most mature and realized record yet. He’s steeped in the classic folk tradition and has clearly studied the masters, but is forward thinking and insightful enough to move modern folk forward with some strong sounds and performances. For years he’s been an in demand side and session player, tour manager, and visual artist, but the strength of the writing and sounds on this record should rightly have him focussing more and more on his own music going forward. He’s always been one to watch with a heap of potential. This album shows that his time has probably come.

https://rylandmoranz.bandcamp.com/album/better-worse

Micah Schnabel – The Clown Watches the Clock
Micah Schnabel writes songs & stories filled with truth & details of the desperate and downtrodden. He writes the stories of real people who are often forgotten and ignored by many in society. There’s a darkness and desperation in his songs, because it exists in the lives of so many people. He’s a truth teller, and the honest truth isn’t often pretty or easily palatable. He rails against fascists and billionaires and systems that keep so many people down. It’s a bold and brave mission that surely isn’t easy. But he infuses his songs with hope and humour and the passionate punky spirit of rock ‘n’ roll. He’ll have you jumping up and down and shouting about injustices and feeling less alone. These are brilliant songs that sound like well-documented details of the people and places he’s seen over a life in music. This album is a companion piece to an incredible book he released this year, telling the story of PK, a professional clown who, out of desperation and innovation, comes up with a career showing up at funerals to tell those left behind what the deceased really thought of them. He shouts and speaks hard truths that are often not easy to receive. It’s not hard to see the parallel between the author and protagonist. It’s a rare kind of honesty and introspection that demonstrates what a bold writer the man is. I’m a massive fan and have immense respect for his work. I don’t really number these lists, but this album is right near the top of the list if you’re measuring the number of times I’ve listened this year and the amount of enjoyment I’ve gotten out of it.

https://micahschnabel.bandcamp.com/album/the-clown-watches-the-clock

Anna Tivel – Living Thing
One of my favourite writers in the world over the past 6 years or so, Anna Tivel’s songs are beautiful poetry that often reflect the darkness and pain of real life and loss. She conveys heartache and longing better than almost anyone. Her past few albums have mixed in upbeat and electronic elements to really flesh out the sound of her stories. That sound has really come together on this one with a few near-rockers that are among my favourite and most listened to songs of the year. Here’s hoping this talented writer starts to get the recognition and widespread success that she so rightly deserves.

https://annativel.bandcamp.com/album/living-thing

Other highly recommended releases:

Leeroy Stagger – 3 AM Revelations

The Damnwells – Bad at Beautiful
thedamnwells.band

John Blek – Cheer Up

The Howl & The Hum – Same Mistake Twice
miserabledisco.com

Sarah Burton – Swoonville USA

Stephanie Lambring – Hypocrite

Caleb Klauder & Reeb Willms – Gold in your Pocket

Jim Bryson – Combinations 1+1

Best of 2025 preview:

Dennis Ellsworth – Hardcore Freewheelin’

This year, more than any in recent memory, I’ve noticed that there were a LOT of releases, many by artists that I love, that I just didn’t spend much time with. There was just way too much going on this year to pay enough attention to it all.

So, while I did hear a LOT of great music, I’m sure there are many worthy releases that I just didn’t get around to listening to nearly enough.

These are some of the great albums that I kept going back to this year. Of the albums that I did listen to, I’d call these my favourites.

In alphabetical order, because this is painful enough:

Amos the Kid, Enough as it Was (House of Wonders)

It turns out that this guy is from Winnipeg and has been making records and doing shows for a few years now, and I had no idea how great he was until recently. One of a few artists that I love that I was introduced to by my pal Connor at Dagwood Radio on UMFM. Amos is pretty hard to describe, just like most of the artists that I love. It’s clear that he’s listened to some classic country, some great rock ‘n’ roll, and some modern sounds. It’s also clear that he owns a genre blender, threw them all in, and turned it on high. I bought the new album and his previous two cassette releases the first chance I got. Now I just need to track him down and witness a live show.

Del Barber, Almanac (Acronym)

An obvious choice for the Best of list because Del has been making consistently great records for over a decade. He writes incredibly detailed, beautiful songs that captivate the joys and struggles of real people and real life. He cuts right to the heart, telling it like it is, and making stories come alive. He’s also got a top-notch band and puts on top-notch shows. He’s also a hell of a decent human being who selflessly saved a life last summer but won’t tell you about it or take any credit. Now, if only he could get some of the credit that he’s due for his great music. We may have to start by fixing his website and getting this amazing album up on Bandcamp…

Sean Burns, Lost Country (Department Store)

Like so many others, I cringe and brace myself whenever I hear someone described as “a country singer.” Real Country music has taken a beating for years by the big hat, bro country douchebag crowd. Sean Burns is the antidote and the opposite. Schooled on real country music, the way it was meant to be made, Sean came to his love of the good stuff honestly, taught by his father, a guy who gigged his way through small taverns, bars, and honky tonks alongside a list of great country music sinGers who for some reason never made it to household name status. This album is Sean’s love letter and historical monument to days gone by, as he says, “10 tracks of hardcore Honky-Tonk from the “lost” catalogues of local legends & regional stars of Canadian Country Music past.” He even recruited some of the hard-working, long-suffering, underappreciated musicians who lived and worked a scene that’s in danger of being forgotten, if not for this album and Sean’s amazing radio show (sadly, currently on hiatus), Boots & Saddle, and his podcast, The Northern Report. He’s preserving a Canadian music history that nobody else seems to even know about. If there were any justice in this world, those modern “country” singers would pay attention and learn something from this guy, and some Canadian funding body would be throwing grant money at him to keep these songs and stories alive.

Communism, Lovespeech (self)

Headed up by in-demand drummer Don Kerr, who can regularly be seen keeping the beat for big deal acts like Dan Mangan and Bahamas, and featuring some killer musicians, like renowned artist Kurt Swinghammer. Communism is pure positivity with a very danceable beat. Don says that the album is “Dedicated to you dancing with love in your heart,” and I dare you to keep still or feel any kind of negativity when this one is on. If you’re truly blessed, you might even get to see the incredible multi-media shows the band puts on when Don’s not on the road. Don is a beacon of positivity, healthy living, and love for one and all.

Ben de la Cour, Sweet Anhedonia (Jullian)

This guy is riding a string of strong albums that have deserved way more attention than they’ve received. He came to Winnipeg to record a really strong album with Scott Nolan a few years ago, then went to make this album with reclusive weirdo genius Jim White. I knew it was going to be amazing and challenging, and we got exactly what I expected, and more. Special guests, incredible songwriting, and magnificent, artistic musical accompaniment add up to a really powerful piece of art that’s bound to be somewhat outside of the realm of the masses. This is a magnificent work of art that more people need to hear.

Evangeline Gentle, Where the Diamonds Are (self)

This year seems to be the year of Boygenius as they appear on just about all of the big “Best of” lists. Every single one of the people who put that album on their list obviously missed out on this one, because it’s so much more interesting. Admittedly, it was way too easy to overlook this one, because there seems to be nowhere other than iTunes that you can buy it, there’s little to no social media presence, and Evangeline didn’t do very many shows since its release. What a shame! Once again recorded by and alongside Jim Bryson, the lyrics and sonic palette are vastly expanded from Evangeline’s impressive debut. This one is full of powerful, introspective, interesting songs that could be so inspiring to so many people if they could only be heard by the masses. This one flew critically under the radar. One can only hope that it’ll somehow find new ears in the future.

Terra Lightfoot, Healing Power (Sonic Unyon)

I’ve known and loved Terra for years. I’ve gone to see her play in 4 provinces and on 2 continents, so I’m a pretty easy mark for whatever she does. Even so, and without any history, this album would be right up my alley and one that I was bound to love. Over the past few albums, Terra has really impressed me with her strong songwriting, and the playing and melodies were always sharp. This time out, she’s upped the ear-worm memorable melody count and included just enough glossy pop production to ensure that these songs would be catchy and cool. Like me, she’s discovered a newfound loving relationship and joy in life, and the songs reflect her new, more joyful and optimistic outlook. And with an album this great, one of the best live shows in Canada, and a lot of exciting upcoming opportunities, why wouldn’t you be joyful and optimistic? I’m pretty sure I listened to this album more times than any other this year and it remains a consistent go-to.

Jeffrey Martin, Thank God We Left the Garden (Fluff and Gravy)

I’ve been a huge fan of Jeffrey’s partner Anna Tivel for years, so when the two of them came to Winnipeg in 2023, it was her set that I was most excited for, but I have to admit that it was his set that most people were talking about afterward, and for good reason. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve been a fan of his music for years too, but none of his albums really stuck with me the way that this one did this year. The writing is outstanding.

You really owe it to yourself to check out Anna Tivel while you’re at it: annativel.bandcamp.com

Dean Owens, Pictures (Songboy)

Dean Owens was a big hit at the 2022 Static Roots Festival, and the album he was promoting at the time, made with Calexico, was a favourite last year, so I never really expected him to come out with something that I like even more so soon. Although he’s from Scotland, he’s once again teamed up with American heavyweights, this time in Neilson Hubbard and Will Kimbrough (aka the Willie Nielson Band) and they’ve brought to life some of his catchiest, most amazing songs yet.

Benjamin Dakota Rogers, Paint Horse (Good People)

This guy has been around for years and has been on the radar for sure, but I am sad to say that I never really got around to paying much attention until this year, and what a revelation it was! He’s got one of those powerful voices that doesn’t really seem to fit the appearance, and with some great melodies and strong songs, you can’t help but take notice when you finally hear him. I’m really eager to see this guy when he comes to town in 2024 opening for Jeremie Albino!

Stephen Stanley Band, Before the Collapse of the Hive (Lightning Strikes)

A longtime friend and favourite of mine, Stephen finally hit his stride a few years ago after moving on from his role in The Lowest of the Low. His last album was a giant leap forward in terms of his songwriting and talented backing band, and this time he’s outdone even that high standard with a really powerful, compelling, well-crafted album.

Honourary Mentions:

Deer Tick, Emotional Contracts (ATO)

I was a huge Deer Tick fan years ago, but it’s been a long time since they made an album that really resonated with me. I admit that I didn’t expect to like this one so much or go back to it so many times. Surprisingly strong.

Ratboys, The Window (Topshelf)

Maybe my favourite Dagwood Radio discovery, I was hooked for life when Connor first played the sprawling jam, Black Earth, WI. I quickly discovered that this band has been around and has been pretty great for a while, but this is the album that really seems to be pushing them to wider recognition, and for good reason. Some seriously good stuff here, and as a bonus, probably the most gorgeous vinyl record I got all year, if not ever.

Vivat Virtute, Hold Music and June First

My favourite living songwriter has to be John K Samson Fellows, who has written some of the most vivid and powerful lines I’ve ever heard, first with The Weakerthans, then on his own. Lately, music has taken a bit of a back seat. He hasn’t released an album or done a show in years, but in 2023, along with his partner, Christine Fellows, he released some lovely instrumental music as Vivat Virtute, and stuck on two of the most powerful songs of the year. If you’re writing songs this incredible, the quantity doesn’t really matter.

New Discoveries: Beth//James, Ratboys, The Nude Party

Favourite radio shows:

Dagwood Radio, Wednesdays, 6-8 pm on UMFM: umfm.com/programming/shows/dagwood-radio

Like the sandwich, Dagwood Radio presents a whole bunch of flavours put together in one glorious, delicious, mess. Lately, I discover more of my new favourites from this show than any other source.

The Twang Trust, Wednesdays, 6-8 pm on CKUW: twangtrust.ca

Longstanding major influence on this show and many others I’m sure. Ol’ Pal Stu plays Roots, Country, and Big Dumb Rock ‘n’ Roll, as well as a bizarre amount of sad girl pop. Whatever. Always an education.

Cretin Radio, Fridays, 9-11 am on UMFM: umfm.com/programming/shows/cretin-radio

You’re not going to get any smarter listening to Cretin Rob play dirty, sweaty punk, metal, and garage rock, but you’re going to feel great and have a few laughs.

Dirty Windshields Radio Hour with Leeroy Stagger: ckua.com/programs/dirty-windshields-radio-hour

You never really know what you’re going to get on Leeroy’s show, but you know you’re going to love it. New music, old classics, interviews, and ruminations on what it’s like to live a life in music.

Northern Wish Radio with Stephen Stanley: muskokaradio.com/show/northernwishwithstephenstanley

Besides being one of my favourite musicians, Stephen Stanley hosts a hell of a great radio show. I don’t get to catch it nearly often enough, but I sure enjoy it whenever I do.

Podcasts I adore:

The Blindboy Podcast: play.acast.com/s/blindboy

One of the most brilliant pieces of art, delivered weekly. I think Blindboy is an absolute genius, and he never fails to make me laugh out loud. Sometimes it’s a thoughtful interview, sometimes he discusses art, he has brilliant and meaningful mental health episodes, and then there are the meticulously researched “Hot Take” episodes. This one’s definitely not for the easily offended (a strong language warning applies) but if you can put aside your own fears and limitations, I guarantee you’ll learn something, you’ll be moved, and you’ll laugh a lot.

Pod of Thunder: podofthunderpodcast.wordpress.com

They are the Recognized Symbol of Excellence in Rock ‘n’ Roll Podcasting for good reason. Andy, Nick, and the Gunslinger Chris L analyze a song a week in a hilarious, yet intelligent fashion. This is another can’t-miss, weekly ritual for me. Always a good time.

The Northern Report: podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thenorthernreportpodcast

When he’s not busy on the sideways and upright bass with Corb Lund or fronting Lost Country, Sean Burns is digging through country music history and presenting the stories of musicians and music that runs the risk of being lost forever. He’s a thoughtful, intelligent interviewer, and has fascinating guests.

That’s How I Remember It: pod.link/CraigFinnPod

I’m a little obsessed with The Hold Steady these days, and especially lead singer Craig Finn. He’s definitely an intelligent, interesting guy, and on his new podcast, he presents some fascinating discussions with really interesting and intelligent guests.

The Other 22 Hours: theother22hours.com/episodes

The bio kind of says it best, “Singer-songwriter Michaela Anne & producer Aaron Shafer-Haiss host conversations with different Grammy winning, Platninum-selling, and long-haul career artists each week about the tools and routines they’ve found most helpful in maintaining their creativity, inspiration, and sanity while navigating a career around their art.” I’ve heard some really interesting and enlightening conversations on this show.

By now you’ve surely heard about the difficult reality facing performers in the “new” music industry, based largely on streaming sites. Maybe you’ve even heard about how little performers are earning for those streams. But have you stopped to think about the talented songwriters hidden behind the scenes creating many of the songs that you know and love? This film lays it all out. The first half is all about those songwriters and how they create hit songs in Nashville. The last half is the bitter truth: they’re being forced out. It’s a painful, terribly sad, but important message.

I have no doubt that talented, hardworking indie singer/songwriters will always be out there creating great music and they’ll find a way for us to hear it. Music isn’t going to die. But it is getting more difficult and requires more and more sacrifice, and that will surely be a barrier for many. I wouldn’t wish the stress and uncertainty of a music career on anyone, but I’m so grateful every day that so many people are still crazy enough to give it a go. I need those people.

But like it or not, we also need a larger music industry that creates hit songs like the ones discussed in this film. You may not necessarily like those songs, but after watching this, you should have a whole new appreciation for where they come from, and hopefully you’ll have some understanding of the necessity of this industry, as well as the bleak future in front of it.

Watch this. If you care about songs, it’ll inspire you and then break your damn heart. It’s not an easy message, but it’s one that needs to be heard.

(of course, I realize all-too-well the irony of encouraging you to stream this wonderful piece of art for free…)

The Last Songwriter from Mark Barger Elliott on Vimeo.